Construction to make Linden Avenue N between N 128th and N 145th streets more neighborhood-friendly is still underway, with the entire project to be completed by next spring. Construction at the south end, between N 128th and N 130th streets, is now complete. Be sure to check the website for more specific details.

The Neighborhood Street Fund application process is currently underway. This fund supports neighborhood transportation projects identified and prioritized by the community itself. Projects should be valued at between $100,000 – $750,000 and should have the support of their local neighborhood District Council. Applications are due December 17.

New updates are available on the Northgate Link Extension project. On November 7, the Sound Transit’s public open house attracted more than 60 people to see the 60 percent design work for the Northgate station and elevated track. The 90 percent designs will be available in 2013. In addition, demolition will soon begin at the site of the future Roosevelt light rail station.

Turnout for Sound Transit service to Lakewood and South Tacoma has been less busy than expected. The route, which added eight miles of service and was predicted to receive 380-530 daily passenger boardings, has only received an average of 237 boardings during the first 17 days.

National

Walk Score is encouraging shoppers to support locally owned businesses this holiday season. In fact, they are offering shoppers a chance to win $500 to shop locally. To enter, add a photo of your favorite small business to Walk Score, and enter as many times you want with photos of different businesses. The winner will be randomly selected on December 10.

The governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, recently announced a policy initiative to increase the walkability of neighborhoods that choose to use land efficiently. Municipalities who adopt an “as-of-right” zoning district can become eligible for preferential treatment when applying for state assistance funds.

Treehugger has provided an interesting slideshow that highlights the challenges pedestrians face in Rome, a city overrun by cars and scooters. See pedestrian crossing areas that are used as parking spaces, sidewalks blocked by garbage cans, and public squares taken over by parking.

Interested in bouncing to work? A Estonian firm has created a trampoline sidewalk prototype, Fast Track, which debuted at the Archstoyanie Festival this past summer in Russia. The 170-meter long trampoline was put at ground level to allow for easy jumping.

If you come across any interesting pedestrian news or stories, please send a link to info@feetfirst.org.